Sound suppression system

Abstract

A sound suppression system for use with air breathing machinery, (10, 12) includes a solid barrier (18) supported (28) above an earthen dike (26). Sound (16) from the machinery (10, 12) is reflected downward (116a) and absorbed. A slot (20), provided between the barrier (18) and the dike (26) allows a flow of fresh air (24) to pass under the barrier (18) to reach the machinery (10, 12). A swale (32) is also included to reflect sound upward (134) for dissipation in the upper atmosphere.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A system for suppressing the sound emanating from ground based air breathing machinery, comprising a solid, sound reflective barrier having a height in excess of said machinery and being supported in a vertically spaced apart relationship with the ground, said barrier being of an unbroken planar configuration, inclined toward said machinery at an angle of approximately 45° from the vertical, and defining an airflow slot with the ground for permitting the flow of air therebetween;   a plurality of vertical supports secured to said barrier for preventing the movement thereof; and   a dike located beneath said barrier and having a height in excess of the height of the lower end of said barrier for absorbing and reflecting any sound reflected downward therefrom, said dike running the entire length of said barrier.   
     
     
       2. The sound suppression system as recited in claim 1, wherein the ground between said machinery and said dike defines a swale, said swale being disposed adjacent said dike beneath said barrier and having a sound absorbing, outwardly facing sloping surface opposite said dike for absorbing or reflecting any sound horizontally reflected from said dike. 
     
     
       3. The sound suppression system as recited in claim 2, further comprising a solid vertical fence, having a height substantially equal to the height of said dike and disposed on the opposite side of said barrier for reflecting back any sound escaping between said barrier and said dike. 
     
     
       4. The sound suppression system as recited in claim 2, wherein the barrier contains concrete. 
     
     
       5. The sound suppression system as recited in claim 3, wherein the barrier and the fence each contain concrete. 
     
     
       6. The sound suppression system as recited in claim 2, wherein the dike is constructed substantially of earth.